Editor, Commonwealth:
A conversation with Dr. Calvin Collins prompted me to write this letter. Pastor Collins shared the story of an 80-year-old church member who says she has to sleep on the floor of her bathroom most nights because of constant shooting. Let that sink in for a moment. An 80-year-old mother, grandmother and possibly great-grandmother on the floor in fear.
That story brought to mind a comment in a recent article by the Commonwealth. Those words paraphrased were, “There are people in the community who know what’s going on but refuse to speak with law enforcement.”
With all due respect, it’s easier to sit comfortably and complain about the uncomfortable. The people they are referring to are living in fear in their own community. They do not have the luxury to move at a moment’s notice. They are living in a war zone not by choice but by force. Even essential workers are afraid to come to the area to provide services in broad daylight. So to ask a citizen to step forward and speak while knowing there’s a possibility of retaliation is a tall task to ask from anyone.
Instead of pressuring the citizen, apply pressure to the manager and owners. Their silence comes off as if the safety of the citizens who are not involved in these heinous acts of violence is not important. These owners’ inability to hold a standard for tenants and visitors is unacceptable. We appreciate their contributions of providing affordable housing, but we must hold them accountable as well. Our safety, peace of mind and future have a far greater importance than the clearing of a check on the first of month.
The need for change is at an all-time high. Pressure needs to be applied, but let’s make it effective pressure.
Kenderick Cox
Greenwood
